Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence
The Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore for businesses leasing telecommunication network elements from licensed Facilities-Based Operators (FBOs) to provide or resell telecommunication services. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed within 14 working days.
- Validity
- All SBO (Individual) Licences are valid for 5 years and can be renewed on a 5-yearly basis
- Processing time
- within 14 working days from the date of submitting all required information and that all clarifications with IMDA have completed
- Issuing authority
- INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)
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Who needs the Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence enables businesses to lease telecommunication network elements from licensed Facilities-Based Operators (FBOs) in Singapore. This allows them to provide their own telecommunication services or to resell these services to third parties, facilitating a competitive telecommunications market.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several conditions must be met. The business must prepare a comprehensive description of the services it intends to offer, including the scope and type of services. Additionally, a latest ACRA Bizfile is required to verify the business's registration details. A system or network configuration diagram must also be provided to illustrate how the telecommunication services will be structured. Financial information and the source of funding, particularly for prepaid services, are essential to demonstrate the business's financial viability.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reviews the application by assessing the completeness of the submitted documentation and the clarity of the proposed services. The agency may conduct discussions or clarifications with the applicant to ensure all requirements are met before making a decision. This review process typically takes up to 14 working days once all necessary information is submitted.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence can stall for various reasons. Incomplete documentation is a frequent issue, particularly if the description of services lacks detail or if the system/network configuration diagram is unclear. Additionally, discrepancies in the financial information or insufficient evidence of funding sources can lead to delays. Ensuring that all documents are thorough and accurately reflect the business's operations can help prevent these common pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Documents Needed
- Description of each service (Including scope and type)
- Latest ACRA Bizfile
- System/Network Configuration Diagram
- Financial Information
- Source of Funding (for prepaid services)
Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, obtaining the Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence is essential for businesses that wish to lease telecommunication network elements from licensed Facilities-Based Operators (FBOs) in Singapore. Without this licence, businesses cannot legally provide or resell telecommunication services.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can lease telecommunication network elements from FBOs and either provide your own telecommunication services or resell the services of FBOs or other Services-Based Operations (SBOs) to third parties. This opens up opportunities for entering the telecommunications market.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines and penalties. Additionally, your business may face challenges in establishing credibility and trust with customers and partners in the telecommunications sector.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
The Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence is a separate requirement from incorporating your company. It is advisable to complete the incorporation process first, as you will need a registered business entity to apply for the licence.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection of applications for the Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence is incomplete documentation. Ensuring that all required documents are submitted and that they accurately reflect the proposed services is crucial for a successful application.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can hold the Services-Based Operations (Individual) Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
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Other IMDA licences
Aircraft Station Licence
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The Arts Entertainment Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting various forms of arts entertainment in Singapore, including plays, concerts, and exhibitions. The licence is valid for specified dates and processing typically takes 20 working days from receipt of complete information.
Computer Online Service Licence
The Computer Online Service Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for online news websites in Singapore that report on local news and current affairs and meet specific traffic criteria. Validity is agency-confirmed, with processing times available on the agency's website.
Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER)
The Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER) is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for specific short range and low power devices in Singapore, including wireless microphones and telecommand systems. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment using radio frequency in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 90 days, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon submission of all required information.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 6 months, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon complete submission of all required information.